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PARADISE: A delicious dinner under the stars, sand between our

toes, water gently lap- ping the shore. What else is there to say?

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OAHU ADVENTURES: The next day, we headed out to explore more of the island of Oahu, choosing between a catamaran trip or a visit to nearby Kualoa Ranch (my choice). Our excursion included a short spin aboard a glass-bottomed boat for a close-up look at sea turtles and an erupted spit of land called Chinaman’s Hat. We enjoyed a buffet picnic lunch on the shore of the ranch’s Surprise Island, then took a tour of the ranch, which has served as the location for the TV show “Lost” and the movie “Jurassic Park,” among other productions. We wrapped up our ranch visit with a leisurely horseback ride.

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STRICTLY HAWAIIAN: That evening, we were treated to a feast for the senses in the transformed Ka’ala Ballroom. While enjoying freshly caught Onaga (red snapper) and Kahuku corn, we

were captivated by some of Hawaii’s most acclaimed entertainers — the dulcet female singing trio Na Leo, ac- companied by a traditional hula danc- er, and slack-key guitar great Makana, among them.

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MAHALO: We retired to the spa’s outdoor garden for coffee and dessert — and, as if we weren’t already relaxed enough, foot and back massages by the spa’s expert staff. At our farewell breakfast on the patio overlooking the lagoon the following morning, I was grateful for our brief stay and already pining for a return visit.

— Michelle Russell FOR MORE INFORMATION: aulani.com www.pcma.org pcma convene April 2012 25